Community group supporting Lewes residents during coronavirus pandemic rapidly expanding

When the lockdown was imminent in the UK, local town planner and philanthropist Emma Amies realised that a network of help would urgently be needed – and fast – to provide assistance for vulnerable locals.

She created a Facebook page on March 13 – Lewes Coronavirus Volunteers – and over the first weekend, more than 200 people joined the group.

Now – a month later – the Facebook group has 1,200 members, more than 600 volunteers, significant donations of food, time and funding – and a partnership with the Trinity Church, which is coordinating and providing a foodbank ‘hub’.

Emma said: “When I started this initiative a few weeks ago I had no idea it would grow so quickly.

“Our group collects prescriptions and offers food deliveries; and we are now also providing wellbeing support on dedicated helplines.

“We’ve set up a Lewes Coronavirus Chat page as a place for contact, conversation, tips and banter to help support people and make the isolated feel a part of a community.

“Our next mission is to create dedicated support for NHS staff.

“We are in contact with hospitals about what might best help them at this time, care boxes for example are being considered, as well as identifying accommodation for NHS staff wishing to isolate from their families.”

Emma said the demand for scrubs has recently meant home sewers and small businesses were being invited to sew in a ‘war-time’ effort.

“I am liaising with the local sewing shop to arrange sewing patterns and fabrics for scrubs on their website,” she said.

“Our plan is that completed scrubs are then sent to a community interest sewing company in Brighton who will organise their distribution to local hospitals.”

She said the response from the town had been phenomenal, adding that Lewes was a ‘wonderfully supportive and vibrant town’ – but this project had made people realise the strength of the community even more.

“People are not only grateful for the help but relieved that it is there,” commented Emma.

“My hope is that after the crisis the network will continue as the Lewes Coronavirus Volunteers and the energy that everyone has put into the venture can become a continuing resource for the town.”

Lewes Coronavirus Volunteers is also considering other areas of support such as emerging mental health support.

The board of trustees includes Emma Amies, Jules Middleton, Oli Henman, Dave Sinclair and Robert Whitford.

The group is working hard to secure more donations to enable them to deliver their objectives.

Jules Middleton of Trinity Church said: “We are glad that we can provide a secure space for handling food donations and other essential supplies; we are working very closely with existing foodbanks and the local Councils to ensure that the whole community is supported through the pandemic.”

To find out more about Lewes Coronavirus Volunteers, visit www.lewescoronavirusvolunteers.co.uk.

To visit its newlydesigned crowdfunding page, visit https://crowdfunder.co.uk/lewes-coronavirus-volunteers.

Follow the group on Instagram and Twitter.